MS theme with textures?
It is possible in Win 7, but not in Win 8/10
Thursday, March 10, 2016 by anotherside | Discussion: WindowBlinds
I am using Windows 7 and WB 7. I have put textures on Windows 7 default theme.
In Windows 8/10 it is no longer possible to put textures on default MS theme. Is this for technical or legal reason?
If it's a technical reason, then maybe this can be solved? If MS says no then not much can be done.
Windows 8.1 theme and Windows 10 theme are not that bad. I would just like the option to put some textures on windowframes, startmenu and taskbar.
I tried the following: I used a Stardock theme (Windows 7 Diamond?) on Windows 10 and put textures on it.
Problem was that Windows 7 Diamond changes color in maximized mode and even if you apply textures this color-change shines thru.
As I remember it, Windows 7 Diamond (included in WB 10) looks great on Windows 10. But I want uniform (light) window-frames, taskbar and startmenu. Not Vista-like window-frames that become dark maximized. Really nice to see those rounded corners on Win 10 though.
I also tried the Svelte theme which handles textures like a champ, but readability/contrast is not as good as stock and it's not optimized for Win 10.
My goal is to achieve something that looks stock MS (Windows 7, 8 or 10) on Windows 10 but with option to add textures. Textures work best on fairly light window-frames.
The easiest way to achieve this (for users) would be if textures on default MS theme was possible in Win 8/10.
(Yes, I am planning for the inevitable move to Win 10 in the coming years) 
Reply #2 Thursday, March 17, 2016 7:30 PM
I did what you said. Played with Start 10. I still think dropping support for textures on MS themes is a loss.
As for taking the plunge, that's not really me. I am a control freak and this is part of the reason I don't like Win 10. I am not in control, Microsoft is.
Win 10 is not a bad user experience and I am happy for those who enjoy it. For me the final nail in the coffin is that control(!) panel is on it's way out and is being replaced by Settings app. Which means that you can't uninstall all Modern apps because you still need the Settings app. Well, I won't complain more about Win 10 because clearly this OS is not for me.
Maybe time to spend less time in front of the computer. 
Reply #3 Thursday, March 17, 2016 10:05 PM
Sorry it didn't pan out for you as far as liking it and all. Maybe MS will get their stuff together some day, eh? You can dream, right?
Please login to comment and/or vote for this skin.
Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:
- Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums and downloading skins.
- Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
- Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
- It's simple, and FREE!
Reply #1 Thursday, March 10, 2016 6:51 PM
Take the plunge!
I have to admit that I have really enjoyed diving in to Windows 10. The Windowblinds beta that is out works nicely with it so far. What I really like and was surprised by is Stardocks Start 10. Right out of the box, the stock skins along with all the available settings are great. Being able to customize the entire task bar, button, and start window just with this app will keep you busy exploring all of the settings and possibilities. I had passed over Start 8 and almost passed over Start 10 but I am glad I decided to check it out. And yes, there are some nice textures and patterns in the stock settings.